Heritage concern halts build

UNAPPROVED alterations to the Union Castle Building has seen work on the building come to a halt.

The building, which recently housed bank branches and ATMs, has been undergoing alterations since November 2021, but this was abruptly halted last month following unapproved alterations to the building.

“In September 2020, the V&A Waterfront applied for a permit from Heritage Western Cape (HWC) in respect of extensive alterations it planned to the Union Castle Building in order to rejuvenate this sleeping beauty at the heart of the V&A,” said Donald Kau, V&A spokesperson.

The National Heritage Resources Act stipulates that buildings older than 60 years old require a permit before any alterations to the structure are made.

“During construction, certain amendments were made to the plans and implemented on site resulting in unapproved alterations to the internal structure of the building that are not entirely consistent with the current conditions of the permit,” said Kau.

Following a structural investigation once the work was under way, it was recommended that more extensive changes to the internal structure of the building were necessary to ensure the building’s long-term structural integrity while taking into consideration the building’s heritage grading and significance.

Kau said that these changes were not timeously communicated to HWC, differ from the conditions of the permit, and so have resulted in the stop work order imposed by HWC.

CEO of Heritage Western Cape Michael Janse van Rensburg, confirmed that a permit approving alterations to the building was issued by HWC, and that the work has subsequently deviated from what was permitted.

“HWC is still establishing the mitigation factors in order to preserve as much of the heritage resource as possible,” said Janse van Rensburg.

Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews said the property owner is always deemed responsible for any unauthorised demolition work.

“The City will shortly serve a notice on the property owner to ensure that no further demolition or building work occurs without the necessary approvals,” said Andrews.

The V&A Waterfront attributed the alterations to an administrative oversight.

“Once the V&A became aware of the situation it took steps to inform HWC of the situation and halt works on site prior to the formal issuance of a stop work order by HWC,” said Kau.

Kau said the V&A Waterfront regretted the circumstance of the non-compliant actions that had led to the stop work order for the building.

“We have the highest respect for the work of Heritage Western Cape, and we’ve had a long, constructive, and fruitful collaborative relationship with them and will be co-operating with their direction to rectify this unfortunate situation,” said Kau.

“The Waterfront is transforming and re-energising the space in and around the historic Union Castle Building which formed a backdrop to the Cape Wheel. The popular Cape wheel has outgrown its current location and it will be relocated ... on the other side of the Victoria Wharf,” Kau said.

The former location of the Cape Wheel is being transformed into a piazza that will be called Union Square. It will feature restaurant seating spilling out onto the square, which is being redesigned so as to serve as a meeting and intersection point.

According to HWC, the Union Castle Building was designed by Baker, Kendall and Morris Architects in 1918 and commissioned by the Union Castle Steamship Company during the construction period of the Victoria Basin. The building was used as a workshop space as well as for the storage of cargo, and for company offices.

Kau confirmed the Union Castle Building will again be re-purposed, while its heritage will be retained.

“At ground level we will open it up into a permeable space housing a variety of retail and restaurant spaces. The first floor will accommodate offices and on the roof in response to the growing demand for rooftop venues we are re-purposing the space to accommodate a rooftop bar and restaurant with spectacular panoramic views.”